The special thing that only Klay Thompson brings to the Mavericks this season

The Dallas Mavericks enter the 2025-26 NBA season with a new identity, fresh aspirations, and plenty of excitement surrounding the arrival of their young phenom Cooper Flagg. But while much of the spotlight will fall on the 18-year-old sensation and on superstar Anthony Davis, there’s one player who might quietly be the most important to Dallas’ chances of starting the season strong—Klay Thompson.

At age 35, Thompson may not be the two-way star he was during the peak of the Golden State Warriors dynasty, but what he still brings to the floor is something that no other Maverick can replicate: elite-level shooting. In a league where spacing is everything and defenses are sharper than ever, Klay remains the only player on this roster who commands defensive respect the moment he crosses the three-point line. That singular trait makes him indispensable for Dallas as they prepare to launch their new era.

The Lone Elite Shooter in Dallas

For all the star power the Mavericks boast, their roster is surprisingly thin when it comes to true, high-volume, high-accuracy shooters. Kyrie Irving is the only other player who can realistically be considered in Thompson’s tier as a marksman. But with Irving sidelined to begin the season, the responsibility of stretching defenses falls squarely on Klay’s shoulders.

Thompson has never been a volume dribbler, nor does he need the ball in his hands to make an impact. That has always been his gift—being able to warp defensive coverages simply by standing in the corner or sprinting off a screen. Even if his numbers have dipped slightly with age, his career 41% three-point shooting and his reputation as one of the greatest shooters of all time guarantee that defenders won’t leave him open.

Compare that to the rest of the roster. Davis has never been a consistent outside shooter. Flagg, while promising, is still developing his long-range shot. Role players like Derrick Jones Jr. or Maxi Kleber can hit open looks, but they don’t draw fear from defenses. This lack of perimeter gravity makes Thompson’s role all the more critical.

Why Thompson’s Offensive Gravity Matters

Thompson’s arrival in Dallas was originally viewed as a final complementary piece to Luka Dončić, but the plan shifted dramatically when Dončić departed. At first, it looked like Thompson had joined a team suddenly without direction. But now, with Flagg stepping in as the franchise cornerstone, Klay’s role has only grown in importance.

The concept of offensive gravity is simple but powerful. Defenses shade toward shooters they fear, which creates openings for everyone else. Thompson embodies that principle. Even if he only takes 10 to 12 shots a game, the constant attention he attracts frees up Davis to work in the post and gives Flagg driving lanes. Without Klay, those defenders would collapse in the paint, shrinking the floor and forcing the Mavericks into tougher looks.

Think back to Thompson’s peak Warriors days—how many times did Steph Curry or Kevin Durant get easier matchups simply because teams were terrified of Klay coming off a pindown? That same effect will now benefit Flagg. As a rookie still finding his rhythm, having a Hall of Fame-level shooter beside him ensures he won’t be met with double-teams on every possession.

Klay Thompson’s Motivation in Dallas

While Thompson’s resume is set in stone—four championships, five All-Star appearances, and countless clutch playoff moments—there’s a sense that he still has something left to prove. His departure from Golden State was bittersweet. The Splash Brothers dynasty came to an end, and while Steph Curry remains, Thompson’s journey continued in a new city.

Initially, the Mavericks were seen as a transitional stop, a franchise that might struggle in the post-Dončić era. But the arrival of Flagg changed everything. Suddenly, Thompson finds himself in a situation eerily similar to 2015, when he was part of a young, rising Warriors team with championship potential. This time, instead of being the young gun, he’s the veteran sharpshooter tasked with guiding the next generation.

That shift in motivation could be vital. Instead of chasing numbers or spotlight, Thompson can focus on fitting seamlessly alongside Davis and Flagg, providing shooting, leadership, and championship experience to a group hungry for success.

Life Without Kyrie Irving Early in the Season

The Mavericks knew entering the season that Kyrie Irving’s absence would create a void in their offense. Kyrie’s shot-making is nearly unmatched, and without him, Dallas risks being too reliant on Flagg, who is still learning, and Davis, who thrives most as a second option rather than a primary creator.

That’s where Thompson becomes more than just a shooter—he becomes the bridge that keeps the offense afloat. His ability to knock down shots off movement forces opponents to play honest defense. And while Klay isn’t known for his passing, his quick decision-making ensures the ball doesn’t stall in his hands. In short, he’s the glue guy who ensures Dallas can remain competitive until Kyrie returns.

If Thompson can average around 15 points per game on efficient shooting while Irving heals, the Mavericks could not only survive this early stretch but build crucial chemistry between Flagg, Davis, and Klay that carries into the playoffs.

The Perfect Partner for Flagg and Davis

The long-term vision for the Mavericks is built around Flagg’s all-around brilliance and Davis’ dominance on both ends. But as much talent as they bring, neither is a pure shooter. In today’s NBA, even the best big-man-forward duos struggle without a spacer. Just look at how Giannis Antetokounmpo thrived once Milwaukee paired him with Khris Middleton, or how Joel Embiid benefitted from shooters surrounding him in Philadelphia.

Klay Thompson gives Dallas that same formula. Davis can post up without worrying about double teams, and Flagg can attack downhill knowing defenders won’t leave Klay open. In crunch time, Thompson becomes the release valve—the guy who can bury a dagger three if the defense collapses too much on the stars.

This balance is what makes the Mavericks suddenly so dangerous. Flagg provides youth and energy, Davis provides interior dominance, and Thompson provides the outside firepower. Put it all together, and the Mavericks could have one of the most well-rounded cores in the West.

What Success Looks Like for Thompson This Season

No one expects Thompson to suddenly turn back the clock and average 20-plus points again. Those days are likely behind him. But success for Thompson in Dallas doesn’t mean being the primary scorer. Instead, it means:

• Shooting 38-40% from three on high volume

• Playing 65 to 70 games while staying healthy

• Mentoring Flagg on how to handle stardom

• Providing steady leadership in the locker room

• Delivering big shots in key moments

If he does that, Thompson’s presence will be felt as strongly as ever, even if the stat sheet doesn’t scream superstar.

Conclusion: Why Thompson Still Matters

The Dallas Mavericks may have shifted into a new era, but Klay Thompson’s role remains as important as ever. He’s not just another veteran on the roster—he’s the one player who offers something no one else does. His elite shooting, his ability to bend defenses, and his championship pedigree make him invaluable, especially with Kyrie Irving sidelined.

As the Mavericks begin the 2025-26 campaign, much will be said about Flagg’s rise and Davis’ dominance. But don’t overlook Thompson’s impact. His shooting could be the very foundation that keeps Dallas’ offense alive, and if he delivers, the Mavericks’ path back to the NBA Finals might be closer than anyone expects.

In many ways, Thompson is the x-factor. He may not be the superstar he once was, but in this moment, he offers Dallas exactly what they need—and that makes him irreplaceable.